ANTIQUE CHINESE EXPORT SILVER DISH & KNIFE Antique sterling silver butter dish and butter knife made in China circa 1875-end of 19th century and signed twice on each piece with the mark in English and Chinese for Luenwo, a highly prestigious silver, jewellery etc firm in Shanghai. <P><P>
Dish is 5 7/8 inches in diameter and weighs 163 grams. Knife is 6 1/2 inches long and weighs 54 grams. <P><P>
Luen-wo was renowned for the high quality of their merchandise and this is clearly seen in the beautifl round butter dish and knife. The dish stands on 3 pumpkin-like stumpy legs. The outer border is shaped like a ring of bamboo and encloses a rim, 1/2 inch wide of magnficent openwork depicting a variety of flowers and foliage. The bowl of the dish is engraved with similar flowers, in full bloom and in bud. <P><P>
The knife blade is luxuriously curved and sturdy for comfort of spreading butter. The handle is wonderfully chased with raised flowers on both sides. <P><P>
The knife is hallmarked LW with one of the Chinese marks for the Luenwo company. The dish is hallmarked LUENWO with another of the marks for the company in Chinese. <P><P>
Good condition.
Manufacturer: ANTIQUE CHINESE EXPORT SILVER BUTTER DISH & KNIFE SIGND  

ANTIQUE SILVER CHINESE EXPORT GOBLET W DRAGON Antique silver goblet. Made in China, circa 1880. <P><P>
Measures 3 1/4 inches high. Weighs 36.5 grams. <P><P>
Small goblet, ideal for liquers or cordials. Classic shape with round base, long stem with an interesting knopf in the middle. The inverted bell shaped bowl is richly decorated with applied silver in Chinese themes. Almost entirely surrounding the bowl is a dragon, depicted in great detail, with long whiskers, claws, scales, ragged beard and tail that ends in a blaze that is echoed in the flares around a raised circle behind it. Clearly these depict well known symbols of Chinese mythology. Lovely workmanship and highly attractive.<P><P>
Signed under the base with a star containing a P; SILVER; and 900. <P><P>
Good condition.
Manufacturer: ANTIQUE SILVER CHINESE EXPORT GOBLET W DRAGON C1880  

ANTIQUE JAPANESE HAND CARVED IVORY HAIR COMB Antique hair comb. Made in Japan 19th century. <P><P>
Measures 3 1/4 inches long. <P><P>
Roughly semi-circular in shape. The entire border, about 3/4 inch at the widest part is handcarved with beautiful flowers, exotic pheasants/chickens, a mountain

scene and various geometric patterns. Wonderful fine detail and very beautiful quality work. Both sides of the border are carved. <P><P>
Good condition.
Manufacturer: ANTIQUE JAPANESE HAND CARVED HAIR COMB  

ANTIQUE VICTORIAN JAPANESE FAN W SALEM OREGON Beautiful antique Japanese fan. Made 19th century and full of signatures from old Salem Oregon families, some dated to the 1880's. <P><P>
Measures 12 1/4 inches in length.<P><P>
Fan with beautiful decoration of cranes flying through cherry blossoms. Very interesting treatment to the scene, which is divided into vignettes that manage to

seperate and connect with each other. Exceptional range of colours - from bright pink to subtle greens and golds, with lots of fine black outline. <P><P>
The reverse side has a simple spray of foliage, beautifully and tastefully done with the subtlety and elegance associated with Japanese art.<P><P>
The sticks are wooden with scrolls painted on the guards. Connected by buttons made of mother of pearl and what might be copper. <P><P>
The fan was signed in the 1880's by a number of people, all from Salem, Oregon. We were told that some of the names are of well-known Salem families. The date is

clearly written in some cases. <P><P>
Condition is generally very good with some wear on the creases, especially near the top of the fan, as shown magnified in the 'photos.
Manufacturer: ANTIQUE VICTORIAN JAPANESE FAN W SALEM OREGON HISTORY  

ANTIQUE JAPANESE MIXED METAL SILVER GOLD COPP Antique, Japanese signed mixed metal box / casket. Made late 19th - early 20th century. <P><P>
Measures 6 inches long;3 1/2 inches wide and 2 inches high. <P><P>
Stands on 4 shaped feet. Rectangular with rounded corners. Hinge joins lid to base. Surface gilt washed. Slightly rounded top has a pair of fighting cocks / roosters

- exotic long-tailed birds with bright orange (copper) combs and fabulous detail to feathers, which are decorated with a variety of patterns. Chickens are mainly in

silver. <P><P>
Engraved signature on the lid, in Japanese.<P><P>
Bottom is black and has another signature.<P><P>
Condition: there is one very small ding on the border of the lid (see magnified 'photos). The surface patina, especially inside is not in perfect condition, as can

be seen in the pictures.
Manufacturer: ANTIQUE JAPANESE MIXED METAL SILVER GOLD COPPER CASKET  

ANTIQUE CHINESE CARVED SNUFF BOTTLE PEOPLE IN Antique carved snuff bottle. Made in China, 19th century. <P><P>
3 1/4 inches high.<P><P>
All made of the same material. The entire surface is wonderfully carved with tiny people, all in movement, seem to be waving flags, amongst a natural scene with

Classic Chinese rock formations and trees - all with lovely detail. The neck has a Greek Key pattern, tightly and elaborately carved and the neck and lid are in the

form of lotus flowers. Lid with original spoon. Great patina formed over the years. <P><P>
Good condition.
Manufacturer: ANTIQUE CHINESE CARVED SNUFF BOTTLE PEOPLE IN NATURE  

ANTIQUE CHINESE IMPERIAL YELLOW GLASS SNUFF B Antique glass snuff bottle. Made in China, 19th century. <P><P>
2 3/4 inches tall. <P><P>
Imperial yellow glass. Very full, rounded body, flattened on the sides. Deep, iron red stopper with original metal spoon.
Stark contrast between the deep yellow and red makes for highly pleasing aesthetic appearance. Thick, solid glass walls.
Good, original condition with no chips/cracks/restoration.<P><P>
Please enquire about our other handpicked Chinese porcelain & snuff bottles.
Manufacturer: ANTIQUE CHINESE IMPERIAL YELLOW GLASS SNUFF BOTTLE  

ANTIQUE PR MINIATURE PAINTING SHAH JAHAN WIFE Antique pair of miniature paintings of the Mughal emperor Shah Jehan and his famous wife, Mumtaz Mahal, on very old paper. Done in India, circa 1950's. <P><P>
Measurements: 9 X 13 inches. <P><P>
Rare to find a matching pair of miniature paintings. Done in the Classic tradition that originated in Persia centuries ago, using a very fine (single hair) brush and colours taken from stones and other natural elements.<P><P>
While the paintings were executed about 50 years ago, the paper they were painted on is much older - well over 100 years and possibly taken from an old book, which is very common with this kind of painting. The figures of Shah Jehan and Mumtaz, for whom he built the Taj Mahal, are each charmingly seated on a prancing brown horse. Both have a sort of green halo around them with very delicate radiating light. The matching brown horses, in matching poses stand on matching grassy verges with little flowers and rocks. The sky in both paintings is a strange swirling mass of blues and greys. <P><P>
The figures are beautifully painted in regal attire with lots of rich, gold highlights. The faces finely detailed, especially the hair. Horses depicted with no less attention to detail and elegant, flowing lines. <P><P>
Around each painting is a border of fine flowers en grisaille as well as illuminated, fancy script in Arabic with gold highlights. The backs of the pages with their original script has been shown in the 'photos as well. <P><P>
Besides the natural wear at the edge of the pages, the paintings are in very good condition.
Manufacturer: ANTIQUE PR MINIATURE PAINTING SHAH JAHAN WIFE HORSEBACK  

ANTIQUE TRIBAL ETHNIC CORAL BANGLE SET W SILV Antique tribal / ethnic coral bangle set with silver coins. Originally used as an adorned accessory to facilitate carrying loads on the head. It would be placed on the head and a bowl or basket would be balanced on top of it, decreasing the pressure on the wearer. <P><P>
Made in India. <P><P>
Outer diameter is approximately 4 inches. Inner measurement is over 2 1/2 inches accross, allowing for a wide wrist. The silk ties can be opened to make the bangle larger or slightly smaller. <P><P>
Consists of a deep, earthy red cotton cloth with crocheted borders and embroidered terminals to prevent fraying of the fabric. The outside of the bangle is set with a double ring of coral beads, over which a ring of silver coins has been attached, whether original to the bangle, is not known. The ends are tied with a silk cord, ending in orange and red tassles. <P><P>
The woven work at the ends of the bangle is extremely fine (see enlarged 'photos), done in shades of orange and red, a little frayed in bits, but still very beautiful. The coral is salmon coloured and in places where pieces are missing, we can see that they were set over metal rings, which give strength and solidity to the bangle (bearing in mind it's original purpose). Some of the coins are too worn to decipher clearly, but at least one shows that it is 1/4 Indian Rupee, with embossed flowers around the border and dated 1918. <P><P>
Condition: besides the wear and tear of about 100 years mentioned above, the bangle is in good, wearable condition and makes a beautiful, aesthetic addition to any serious antique jewellery or handworked textile collection.
Manufacturer: ANTIQUE TRIBAL ETHNIC CORAL BANGLE SET W SILVER COINS  

ANTIQUE AMULET RING W ANCIENT SCRIPT GOOD LUC Antique amulet, magic power, copper ring. Originates in Indian sub-continent. In her book on rings, Shirley Bury showed a copper example very similar to this one, (page 18) with an estimated date of 414 - 1871. This ring is equally difficult to date, but at least 200 years old. <P><P>
Approx US size 3 - suitable as a pinky ring unless your fingers are very thin. 1/4 inch accross the top. <P><P>
Collector's piece: Hexagonal shaped copper tablet, rounded at the back so that it is well raised above the level of the finger, and with rounded band. The ring has embossed script - raised above the level of the slab, in an unknown language (apologies if 'photos are upside down). The script is either religious or intended to ward off bad luck / bring good luck to the wearer as an amulet / kamea. <P><P>
The ring is very attractive on the finger and has the intrigue and subtle patina of hundreds of years adding to it's mystique. Light reflects softly off the copper, while the edges have been gently softened over the centuries. <P><P>
Very good condition, especially considering the age.
Manufacturer: ANTIQUE AMULET RING W ANCIENT SCRIPT GOOD LUCK 2-300YRS  

ANTIQUE 18C CHINESE FAMILLE ROSE TALL VASE Antique, tall 'famille rose' vase handpainted with figures and flora. Made in China, 18th century. <P><P>
10 1/4 inches high. <P><P>
Tapering ovoid body with short neck and narrow mouth. Painted on either side with a bamboo panel enclosing figures in garden landscapes. One scene a venerable gentleman with his wife and other figures, some leaning out of a window, some strolling in opulent gardens withmany buildings in the background. The reverse shows a similar scene, more relaxed and with more interaction between the figures. The narrow sides between the two central reserves have smaller scenes of people enclosed in iron red, scrolling borders. The scenes are surrounded by a wealth of flowers and foliage, much in cobalt blue, with pink peonies and green foliage and very delicate gold scrolling foliage. <P><P>
Good condition with a possible restoration to a very small area underneath the vase, inside the rim, where the patina is not quite equal to the age. Does not show up with black light. <P><P>
Provenance: Sotheybys.
Manufacturer: ANTIQUE 18C CHINESE FAMILLE ROSE TALL VASE FIGURES GILD  

4 ART DECO JAPANESE HP PLACE CARD HOLDERS Set of 4 handpainted ivory place card holders. Made in Japan circa 1920-30's. <P><P>
Each place card holder is a little under 2 inches accross the bottom and a little over 1 inch at the highest point. <P><P>
The place card holders are wonderful Japanese design. A pair of semi-circles or arches, at right angles to each other. The top arch is hand-painted with a fabulous eye-catching design in variations of red and black with the cream ground as part of the design. One holder has a series of hearts; another roses in black and cream, a 3rd a pair of branches arch towards a bird - all in red and the last in both black and red, somewhat styalised florals. All very finely done. A wire at the back will hold the card. As can be seen in the 'photos, the place card holders are made of natural material. <P><P>
Good condition. No damage/chips/cracks/losses/restorations.
Manufacturer: 4 ART DECO JAPANESE HP PLACE CARD HOLDERS  

CHINESE CANTONESE SILVER LETTER OPENER FLOWER Antiqiue Cantonese silver letter opener / page turner. Made Canton, China 19th century. <P><P>
Measures 9 3/4 inches long and weighs approx 73 grams. <P><P>
Superb old Chinese workmanship. Very solid letter opener / page turner with a chrysanthemum handle. Flowers moulded in high relief - almost 3-d for the most part. The detail and aesthetic appeal is stunning. The 'blade' of the piece is engraved with a number of Chinese hieroglyphic character marks. The back has a silver hallmark. Besides negligible slight rougage on the edge in front, condition is very good.
Manufacturer: CHINESE CANTONESE SILVER LETTER OPENER FLOWER  

ANTIQUE JAPANESE SATSUMA BOWL MASTER & BOY W Antique Satsume pottery bowl / dish hand painted, gilded and enamelled. Made in Japan - 19th century. <P><P>
Measures 8 1/2 inches in diameter and 1 3/8 inches high. <P><P>
Exquisitely decorated shallow round bowl. The rim is red and gold and the inner border is a circle of golden clouds with raised gold borders. <br>
Within is a vignette of a Master / Sage / Holy man, dressed in a magnificent kimono, holding a long cane in one hand and pointing a finger in a gesture of command. He wears traditional old boots, his garments are richly decorated with raised enamelling and gilding in beautiful patterns of flowers, clouds and scrolls and the detail is exquisite: from the finger nail protector cap to the tiny hairs growing out of his ears. A halo like circle surrounds the figure's head, again with raised gold elegant clouds. Next to the tall figure is a little boy, legs wide apart as though ready to run or duck, bending to the side and holding out a golden cage, which presumably held ciccada's or a small bird. His clothes are no less wonderfully depicted than those of the older gentleman, but the colours are brighter, especially the red jacket. He wears a floppy gold cap on his head. His face is absolutely marvellous with beautiful features and expression. <P><P>
There is no mark that we can find on the plate - front or back. <P><P>
Condition is very good, especially considering the age of the bowl. There is crazing, typical of pottery of this age. There are a few tiny spots where raised gold seems to have come off (see 'photos - greatly enlarged) and there is a small chip on the rim at the bottom on the back.
Manufacturer: ANTIQUE JAPANESE SATSUMA BOWL MASTER & BOY  

ANTIQUE CHINESE CARVED IVORY STATUE BIRD TREE Antique Chinese carved statue of a bird in a Classic landscape with rocks under a flowering tree. Comes with original fitted wooden base, carved with the same theme and by the same hand. <P><P>
Measures a little over 2 1/2 inches high, excluding the base. The base is 2 1/2 inches accross at the widest point and 3/4 inches high. <P><P>
A small bird looks over it's shoulder. It sits amidst rocks and a gnarled, bent tree in a classic traditional Chinese landscape. Depth of carving is excellent and delicacy of fine branches holding the flowers shows tremendous skill. Technical mastery in creating these slim overlapping stems as though working from the inside out. <P>
The base is carved in the same style and with the same theme and is fitted to hold the top part.<P>
This piece can be enjoyed and contemplated upon from any angle. <P>
Very good condition. No damage of any sort found. <P>
Natural materials bought legally in the USA.
Manufacturer: ANTIQUE CHINESE CARVED IVORY STATUE BIRD TREE